Category: Vanished Lands

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 42.2 of our higher-level D&D5e telecom game, which was held on Sunday, 5 October 2015:

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihumans thrived. The “VanishedLands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

“3 to 4 November 1227 B.C.E.:” An assortment of experienced adventurers met in the barbaric port of Gisar, where a street brawl turned deadly and a prince got vengeance for the murder of his lover. Grateful Corwin asked his new acquaintances to help him in the city.

The next morning, Kunal prepares breakfast for his new acquaintances at the temple of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry, which Corwin believes to be one of the few safe locations in Gisar. Priestess Gerta the Naughty offers supplies.

The Bard disguises himself to continue his search for ally Melchior. The Saganim(proto-Celtic) human Cleric of Ulandt, the lady of rest, had been covertly monitoring the late Tiefling mage Lord Dalek and Corwin’s half-brother, Prince Daven.

The heroes walk north on Indra Avenue, past the temples in Council Square. At the busy Spice Square, they begin asking around for Atlantean arms dealer “Vasdin Khafre” or elderly Saganim potion seller “Shamus,” two of Melchior’s aliases.

Spice Square in Gisar

Corwin, who is wearing a mandolin he received from Melchior to help with recognition, learns that the red-robed Dragonborn was asking around for “Shamus.” Kunal spots Melchior at the northwestern corner of the market. He is being followed by the Dragonborn, a sickly human, and a Nekojin (cat woman).

Half-Elf Corwin casts Message to warn Melchior that his “princely friend is here with friends, but three people are approaching.” In response, the Defender of the Night vanishes and invisibly climbs a building.

The three humanoids fan out, and the Dragonborn pulls out a monocle to scan the crowd. Kunal circles to the square’s northern entrance to watch the pale man, who is sniffing in an apparent attempt to track Melchior.

Amethyst turns south toward the Nekojin and studies her movements. The feline assassin is graceful but relatively young. Bellanora approaches the Dragonborn from the east and engages him in conversation.

Gorkath says that he is looking for “friend” Shamus. The glaive-bearing reptilian spellcaster uses his magical monocle to spot Melchior on a nearby rooftop.

Disguised Corwin walks to the fountain at the center of Spice Square and tries to keep out of the Dragonborn’s line of sight. Rogue Kunal uses exotic spices to distract the pale man and then ducks into the crowd.

Paladin Bellanora tries to Detect Evil. Bard Corwin casts Fear on Gorkath, forcing him to flee east on Agni Path. Cleric Melchior uses Shadow Step to get close to his countryman. Fighter Amethyst nears the Nekojin.

Kunal follows the Dragonborn and steals his monocle, as the Nekojin unknowingly passes Corwin. The wan man then heads toward Bellanora, who senses malicious intent.

Corwin provides Bardic Inspiration to Bellanora, and Melchior casts Protection From Evil on himself. Amethyst turns to the Nekojin. Kunal lets Gorkath go and returns to Corwin in the market.

The Saganim prince casts Hold Person on the Nekojin, as Melchior casts Detect Undead and identifies the pale man near Bellanora as infected. The holy warrior of Vulkan tells the man to halt, but he says that his “masters now know you’re here.”

Bellanora hurls Kestaz Heus, her holy war hammer, through the man, who explodes in a fountain of black pus. Corwin ties up the Nekojin, while Amethyst keeps watch for the Draconian.

Melchior casts the Blessing of Stealth and takes the new group to a secondary safe house. The Grimm, or hunter of Undead, shares spare clothing and ammunition with the wanderers.

Kunal and Corwin disarm the Nekojin and find ninja-tos (short swords), a light crossbow, and six shurikens (throwing stars). They put the feline woman into a makeshift cell. Bellanora and Amethyst stand guard.

Melchior casts Guardian Spirit and invokes Ulandt for wards of Non-Detection.Corwin interrogates the prisoner, who is named Riki.

Riki says that the lords of the city have learned of Lord Dalek’s death in a street brawl and have been searching for Melchior, whom they suspect is a spy. The Nekojin says that she serves one Kallina.

In return for her freedom, Riki offers to gather information on the treacherous Prince Daven and his ally Sean Sable, whose family is suspected of necromancy. Bellanora grants Riki mercy but reminds Corwin and company not to trust her.

Melchior agrees that the Nekojin could prove useful and gives her a sleeping draught. He removes her from the safe house, and the team ponders its next moves in Gisar….

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihumans thrived. The “VanishedLands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

“26 to 28 October 1227 B.C.E.:” The adventurers left Drunstimlos aboard the mercenary ship Floating Eel, talked with Nuriel’s grandmother Itharides, and helped put down a mutiny. They stopped in the villages of Sanry and Semorn before arriving at Hesolin, capital of the human kingdom of Hifalendor.

The group goes to the Harbormaster’s Tower, where it reports to Lord Gideon Adams. Kamar shows a letter from Capt. Sheridan Driscoll of the H.M.S.Dauntless, a Saganim naval vessel. Lord Adams is suspicious of Barret, who is from the Silent Stalkers tribe, but Kaelen vouches for the Minotaur.

Eldamir hopes to find other Atlanteans, and the harbormaster says that several are stationed at a Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) naval base a few days’ sail away.

Puliarus asks about potential missions, and Lord Adams is willing to pay a total of 10,000 crowns (gold pieces) for scouting the port of Lirgad, far to the east in the Principality of Silado, a.k.a. Tong Sheng.

The “Storm Riders” say they’ll consider his offer, and Nuriel leads the way to the open-air temple of Addoh, known in Saganim as Ghanki. Halateriel, a Thalassaquendi (western Sea Elf) priestess of the sea lord, greets the travelers.

Nuriel asks Halateriel to replace drunkard Fr. Gwydion in Drunstimlos, but she notes that it’s unusual for a Hifalendorin temple to send clergy to Saganim (proto-Celtic human) towns. Halateriel also says that many priests have been assigned to ships in the Hifalendorin navy as a precaution against the mystical ailment known as the Scourge.

However, she is willing to send an acolyte to Drunstimlos if the adventuring party will check the port of Laguro on Bokor Island for cultists of Krakas, lord of the maelstrom. Cleric Nuriel and company are interested, but they don’t have a time frame in mind to travel south.

The “Storm Riders” then follow Sailors’ Walk into Hesolin. Rogue Kamar explains that Bokor Island is ruled by two black dragons, Artaxis and Zineida. Ranger Kaelen notices the “Saffron Scabbard” tavern and the Sallus Baths on the way, but Barbarian Eldamir recommends visiting the Library of Memir next.

Gladiator Barret feels the tug of cheers from the Ariyas Arena, and Sorcerer Puliarus wonders about the theaters around Bridge Plaza. The wanderers pass the Golden Horn Hotel on Castle Court and walk up Embassy Row.

Nuriel drops off a letter at the Waletku embassy to his family in the distant Grey Elven outpost of Silgath. He reports on his hopes of redeeming aggressive humans such as Eldamir.

International affairs
At the royal library, Eldamir encounters an irascible archivist. Harold eventually helps the mercenaries find records for their various inquiries. Eldamir reads a tablet containing an old trade treaty between Atlantis and Hifalendor.

Puliarus learns that trade with the Sea Elves has declined in recent years because of corsairs from the Garku Nasit, pirates from Saganim and the Zarendo Islands, and Skaevingol raiders, not to mention the dreaded Ghost Fleet.

Harold also mentions that the Gusorin Confederation is no more. The Gokuri Empire has conquered the northern city of Tekugi, and the southern port of Gisar is ruled by the Undead. Hifalendor still views the human and humanoid tribes of the central Plains of Sathendo as a threat.

Bored Barret and Eldamir go back through bustling streets to the arena, while musician Kamar visits the Bardic College. Pious Nuriel strolls to the Temple Court, as lecherous Kaelen goes to the Saffron Scabbard. Curious Puliarus heads to the Istari Bazaar.

Busy city streets

At the Arena of Ariyas, Barret and Eldamir ask Halfling bookie Waltod [Beruk A./Non-Player Character] to join the bouts in progress. The “Masked Minotaur” faces off against Aquila [Charles S./N.P.C.], a River Spirit Folk (eastern Grey Elf) Monk, and tattooed Eldamir is matched with Lorgan [Bruce K./N.P.C.], a Wolfen Barbarian and follower of Torr (Thor).

Kamar chats with redheaded priestess Yvonne Valetta at the temple of Brijitt,goddess of fire and poetry. The Suthern (proto-Arabic) human performs to gain entrance in the College of Valor. Yvonne mentions that a brave but foolhardy band entered the nefarious kingdom of Zuromm to the northwest but hasn’t been heard from since.

Nuriel learns about mushrooms from Gaffy Barkeater, a Forest Gnome Druid at the Grove of Mekkil. At the vaulted temple of Corellan Larethian, Nuriel talks with Vellamo, another Grey Elf Cleric. Vellamo describes a premonition of evil from the Shadowfell creeping into the Wisalef Forest.

Half-Elf Kaelen has a good evening at the Saffron Scabbard, while Half-Elf Puliarus is intrigued by the magical shops, sages, and archives at the Istari Bazaar.

Eldritch arena duel
At the arena, Lorgan has gray fur, scars, and an ugly morning star. Eldamir stabs the Wolfen with “Tempest,” his trident. Barret charges at Aquila, who nimbly steps aside before striking him hard.

Eldamir and Lorgan trade heavy blows before the Atlantean knocks down the Wolfen. Waltod notes that the winner will have to fight the winner of the other bout. Aquila tries to trip the Masked Minotaur and switches to kicking him instead.

Barret surprises everyone, including himself, by knocking out Aquila with a Magic Missile from the brass orb on one of his horns! Waltod declares the match over on a technicality.

Puliarus reaches for the tent but then sees a mighty Balrog. The storm Sorcerer casts Gust of Wind, which blows away the illusory Balrog and tent, revealing a mischievous Gnome munching his muffin. Perrin scurries off.

Shang Dun is skeptical that Thyril can help Puliarus with the scrimshaw that granted him his sorcerous abilities. However, the Elf is able to determine that the ivory came from an extraplanar source.

Thyril says, “Oops,” as a feeling of vertigo overcomes those present during a vision of a sea of stars. He says that others are looking for the scrimshaw.

Sometime later, the party reconvenes at the Golden Horn Hotel. Itharides and Cassy aren’t around. Kaelen plans to visit the Rangers’ Gate and quietly asks Nuriel for a Cure Disease. Barret and Puliarus share their magical findings. The team decides to head east first, then to Bokor Island.

Lord Adams gives the “Storm Riders” 5,000 crowns, which they save of an eventual ship of their own. He agrees to provide passage to the Hifalendorin naval base on the way to Lirgad….

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Session 42.1 of our higher-level D&D5e telecom game, which was held on Sunday, 27 September 2015:

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihumans thrived. The “VanishedLands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

“1 to 3 November 1227 B.C.E.:” Deep in the Ivory Mountains, a Dwarf Paladin saddles her gryphon steed. Bellanora has fought monsters threatening the Zeda kingdom, but her father, King Bertrand, urges her to see the wider world.

At the edge of the Halmed Desert, a Suthern human cook gathers exotic seeds. Kunal has left the oasis created by the “Broken Chains” (including Eoghan) and returns to wandering.

On the central Plains of Sathendo, Gisar is inhabited by barbaric tribes of humans and humanoids and is ruled by vampires. Corwin belatedly joins Saganim countryman Melchior there to track down his half-brother Prince Daven and the malevolent Lord Dalek.

The Gusorin Confederation has fallen to the Undead and the Gokuri Empire. Warforged Amethyst heads to Gisar to seek work for his mercenary band.

Streets of Gisar

Far to the northeast, Druid Ember leaves her friends in the Therud Forest to continue her quest to regain her true form as a gold dragon. The long-range communications networks established by “Milos” [Beruk A.] and “Elsa” [Rich C.G.] also bring news of troubles on the Sea of Nagendwa.

Disguised in black leather as “Randall the Rogue,” Corwin leaves “Vistel’s Expedition” and the airship Zephyr and slips into Gisar to look for Melchior. The Bard finds the Cleric’s safehouse, but it has been ransacked, and nobody is around. Corwin then heads to the temple of Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry.

Bellanora avoids Barovic Castle and lands near the Sweetmeats Caravanserai at the outskirts of Gisar. She finds discreet stabling for her gryphon and senses malicious intent all around.

Kunal disembarks from a ship from the distant port of Falit. The Rogue hopes to free slaves and develop informants in gloomy Gisar. He sees Skaevingol (proto-Scandinavian), Tsucharim (Mongol-like), and Vistani (Slavic/Gypsy-like) humans, as well as Wolven, Nezumi (rat folk), and Minotaurs.

Amethyst arrives in the city and ignores curious stares as he walks on between Spice Square and Council Square on Indra Avenue. The battle master crosses paths with a large Ogre being ridden by a hairless Halfling.

Ogre and rider

The Ogre brushes past the Warforged, despite the angry chatter of its rider, who expects to be addressed as “Milord” Drik Knobspittle. The Ogre, Drool-licker by name, begins boxing with Amethyst.

Bellanora isn’t impressed by the crowd gathering to watch the brawl, but Kunal bets on the construct. Meanwhile, at the temple of Brijitt, Gerta the Naughty greets Corwin. The wandering noble asks the priestess about Melchior, but she hasn’t seen the former “Seeker of Lore.”

An acolyte arrives and tells Gerta and Corwin about a street brawl nearby. They go to investigate, as Amethyst trips Drool-licker. Unharmed, Drik crawls out from under the Ogre and casts Tasha’s Hideous Laughter. His cream pie misses.

Corwin then recognizes a hooded figure standing next to a Dwarf in the crowd. It is the Tiefling mage Lord Dalek, who framed the young prince for the murder of his lover.

Tiefling mage Lord Dalek

Bellanora notices Dalek reaching into his robes and warns him not to interfere with Amethyst’s fight. The Wizard mocks the Paladin for as a spoiled ingenue who needs a man’s guidance.

Dalek retaliates with a Cone of Cold, injuring Bellanora and killing Drool-licker. Drik scampers away into the retreating crowd. Still invisible, Corwin stabs hated Dalek with his two short swords.

Amethyst bellows at Dalek, “Why did you get in the middle of my fight?” and pulls out his great hammer while making a leaping attack. Bellanora Dispels the mage’s Globe of Invulnerability and slays him with a Staggering Smite. She then prays to Vulkan (Moradin).

Bard Corwin beheads the Tiefling, and Kunal quickly searches the corpse before it is incinerated. The Rogue finds silver Saganim rings, a spellbook, some coins, and a letter by Lord Dalek in Barbari begging a boon from the “Red Circle.”

Fighter Amethyst tells Paladin Bellanora that he has been looking for a worthy fight. Corwin becomes visible and thanks Bellanora, Kunal, and Amethyst for their help. He invites them back to the temple of Brijitt for a safe place to spend the night.

Corwin gives Amethyst 500 gold pieces, but Kunal realizes that he can’t collect on his wager on the Warforged. Bellanora is still mad about being caught in theFlamestrike. Corwin asks his new allies to help him search for Melchior in the morning….

I’m glad that we got the new telecom team together, and I look forward to continuing our adventures on Sunday nights! Remember to review your character records on Obsidian Portal.

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The “VanishedLands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

“19 to 25 October 1227 B.C.E.:” Upon its return to port, the adventuring party split up to distract the crew of the Lazy Goat while a few members checked out the cog for possible slaver gold. Once an alarm was raised, the would-be thieves regrouped and managed to evade blame. They then left on the Floating Eel, a mercenary vessel.

The Floating Eel sails from Drunstimlos north toward Sanry. Kamar is familiar with the route and plays music for the crew and passengers. Nuriel continues catching up with his grandmother Itharides, who has hired the ship to take her to the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor.

Kaelen watches Henry “the Ghost” Grayson, former captain of the pirate ship Bronze Storm and now first mate on the Floating Eel. Eldamir doesn’t trust the Ghost and his men, since the team had fought him previously while aboard the Saganim navy cruiser H.M.S. Dauntless.

Barret peels vegetables in the galley and tells Puliarus about Hendlir, guardian of the ways. Cassy is nowhere to be seen. Itharides tells Nuriel that she is traveling east to deal with people who have betrayed her, and he offers to accompany her.

The Ghost seems to have earned the respect of both Capt. Kassem al-Zaweh’s men and his own former crew, observes Kaelen. Eldamir tells his companions that he has been “communing with the storm lords,” who recommend looking for fellow Atlantean exiles in Hifalendor.

Later that night, Eldamir overhears two sailors murmuring about a mutiny. He discreetly gathers his group and recommends guarding the captain and Itharides.

Kaelen directly asks Grayson about his intentions. The Ghost says he has no intention of turning on Capt. al-Zaweh and that only a third of the current crew is from the Bronze Storm. Grayson suggests talking with Emilio Chauvet, his own former first mate, using the passphrase “Remember those three nights in Falit?”

Kamar and Kaelen arrive on the main deck and are greeted by eight sailors brandishing belaying pins. The Bard casts True Strike, and the Ranger casts Hunter’s Mark on himself.

Nuriel stays close to Itharides and hears two apparently drunk seamen outside her cabin. They bash the door in, and the Cleric of Corellan Larethian draws his sword. The mutineers beat him with makeshift clubs.

Eldamir and Puliarus slip into the water to circle around. The Barbarian and Sorcerer find a Sahuagin, or shark man, lurking near the ship. Barret returns to the galley to watch the armory, but al Rakeem hits the Fighter with a frying pan.

Itharides seems unconcerned as Nuriel Channels Divinity and knocks down both of their attackers with Radiance of the Dawn. The Grey Elves tie them up, don armor, and venture into the corridor. Nuriel casts Cure Light Wounds on himself.

Horned Barret gets into a shoving match with the Hobgoblin, trashing the galley. Suthern (proto-Arabic) human Kamar throws a boarding axe, and Half-Elf Kaelen kills a mutineer with his two short swords.

Eldamir rages against the Sahuagin, but Half-Elf Puliarus misses. Nuriel heads upstairs to the main deck, while Itharides draws her sword Ramaqualme (“Winged Death”) and goes to the crew quarters.

Kaelen kills a second sailor, but he and Kamar are soon overwhelmed by the survivors. Capt. al-Zaweh slays the Sahuagin with a crossbow bolt, and Puliarus stays in the water to make sure the mutineers have no other amphibious allies.

Nuriel casts Burning Hands and Warding Flares before he, too, is knocked out. Fortunately, Eldamir climbs into the captain’s cabin, and he, Capt. al-Zaweh, and the Ghost charge out into the fray.

The mutineers on deck get no reinforcements because Itharides intimidates those in the hold into submission. Eldamir aids Kamar, who casts Sleep on three crew members. Kaelen regains consciousness and stealthily drinks a healing potion.

Kaelen joins Barret’s brawl in the galley and stabs the Hobgoblin before dragging him to the main deck of the Floating Eel. The remaining rebels surrender and are disarmed.

Grayson reports to the captain that out of a crew of about 30 and a dozen mutineers, two are dead, six were wounded, and three are unconscious. Puliarus adds that the Sahuagin is also dead.

Capt. al-Zaweh says that the mutineers will be restrained and set ashore at the next port, but the Ghost sets an example by executing al Rakeem. Kaelen assures the commanders that the rest of the sailors are loyal.

That night, adventurers take double watches alongside the regular crew. Eldamir and Nuriel believe that Itharides hired cutthroats to test human virtue as she travels east to deal with evil guild members.

The Floating Eel arrives at the Saganim (proto-Celtic) human village of Sanry. Nuriel looks for a temple to Ghanki, lord of the sea, but the only chapel in town is dedicated to Brijitt, goddess of fire and poetry. The priest had hoped to ask about finding a replacement for Fr. Gwydionin Drunstimlos.

Kamar performs at the church of Brijitt and flirts with Eileen O’Shea. Most of the Bard’s companions head to the “Steed’s Stream” pub. Kaelen prays to tempest god Ano Wasu, and the scout is disappointed that Sanry has no brothel.

Eldamir learns from Capt. al-Zaweh that the ship is staying only one night and that supplies should be available in the morning. The warrior of the Order of the Kingfisher watches to make sure the mutineers leave.

Remembering that some Saganim peasants are intolerant of nonhumans and arcanists, Puliarus stays with Itharides on the Floating Eel. Barret looks for wrestling matches.

The next morning, the crew and passengers set sail for Semorn, the next coastal community on the way to Hesolin, the capital of Hifalendor. They later pass the swamps that fill the delta of the Aehonir River.

Hesolin, capital of the kingdom of Hifalendor

Eldamir recommends having a plan for time ashore in the large city, where there are other ships and potentially paying missions. Swashbuckler Kamar notes that he has been to Hesolin before, with the [D&D3.0] “Liberators” and “Dragonslayers.”

Nuriel wants to explore the local culture, visit the temple of Addoh/Ghanki, and stay with Itharides and the Floating Eel. Kaelen wants to carouse, while Eldamir hopes to find fellow Atlantean exiles.

Barret is interested in acquiring armor and various arenas. Puliarus agrees with Kamar and Eldamir’s caution to stay together.

In terms of identifying their band, Kamar again offers the “Motley Crusaders,” but Eldamir prefers the “Sons of Atlantis.” Puliarus suggests the “Storm Riders.”

The away team bids a temporary farewell to the Floating Eel and enters walled Hesolin. Itharides gets a room at the Golden Horn Hotel for 4 crowns (gold pieces) per night.

Kaelen pays for the rest of the group should also stay at the fancy hotel on the Castle Court. The hunter then visits Gnomish moneychangers on Sailor’s Walk and deposits 18 g.p. in gems, 6 pearls worth 10 g.p. each, 20 crowns, and 8 silver pieces — most of his wealth. Kaelen also wants to sell a scroll at the Istari Bazaar.

Cleric of Light Nuriel also plans to visit the cathedral of Corellan at Temple Court. Eldamir, who is on the Path of the Berserker, buys two rope nets and a metal one.

Barret goes to South Square, where the Minotaur commissions light wooden armor for 20 crowns. Although he is a storm Sorcerer, Puliarus is curious about the Magisterium (magic school). Kamar offers to join him.

Eldamir buys a map of the city and says that the Library of Memir and the Rangers’ Gate might be additional sources of Atlantean lore and potential missions….

Fellow role-players, here is my update for Sessions 41.8 and 9 of our face-to-face D&D5e game, which Drew S. hosted in Needham, Mass., on 17 and 24 August 2015:

In one ancient world, there was a place where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The “VanishedLands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders.

“14 to 18 October 1227 B.C.E.:” In close combat off the Saganim coast, the crew and mercenaries of the H.M.S. Dauntlessdefeated the pirates aboard the Bronze Storm. The naval vessel seized weapons and booty from the schooner and headed back to port.

The adventuring party is dismissed from the Dauntless as it arrives in the Saganim (proto-Celtic) human town of Drunstimlos. Kamar invites Alitasse Vorwende, the Thalassaquendi (western Sea Elf) purser, to dinner at a clam shack.

Nuriel, Kaelen, and Barret plan to visit the local church of Ghanki, lord of the sea. Cassy reminds her companions of a rumored shipment of slaver gold on the Lazy Goat before she disappears into various alleys.

Eldamir warily follows Nuriel, while Puliarus heads straight for the “Sailor’s Climb” public house. He meets scrimshaw artist Helen O’Leary in addition to the usual fishermen and farmers. Kamar and Alitasse go for a long walk on the beach.

Nuriel and company walk to the temple of Ghanki and look for Fr. Gwydion. Eldamir is disgusted when he sees the drunken priest cavorting with a parishioner in the graveyard. After chasing away some street urchins leaving graffiti, Kaelen and Barret continue cleaning the decrepit church.

Puliarus and notices a young man wearing a tabard sitting alone in a corner of the pub. A group of women tell the Half-Elf that he is Sir Sigmund Adelbard’s squire.

The servants also say that their master, Lord Caerdon, has been in a bad mood lately and that he sent them out for the evening while he entertains the visiting knight.

At the temple of Ghanki, Nuriel offers tithe of 25 sovereigns (gold pieces) to Fr. Gwydion and asks for help with an “afflicted friend,” meaning Eldamir, whose eyes glowed with an unholy rage during the recent battle with the Bronze Storm.

Fr. Gwydion is interested in the prospect of an exorcism, and the Atlantean human reluctantly submits to examination at Grey Elf Nuriel’s request. Barret returns to the tavern to look for a pit fight, and Kaelen searches for a shrine to Ano Wasu, the lady moon.

Nuriel goes to fetch a bucket of water for Fr. Gwydion, who conducts a divination. The Cleric states that Eldamir will have to fight an earth elemental to atone for his sins. Nuriel takes just enough holy water for his own purposes.

Puliarus flirts with one of Lord Caerdon’s maids, but the Half-Elf is unsuccessful. The next morning, the group visits Brenda O’Connor at the guard tower. Puliarus practices archery and buys arrows.

Brenda pays the adventurers 10 talents (1,000 silver pieces or 100 gold pieces, about 16 g.p. each) for capturing a Necromancer. However, the Saganim militia captain explains that Morgwyn has been released to his family, because the O’Bannons own a lot of land and are influential.

It’s also possible that Fr. Gwydion interceded on his behalf when Lord Caerdon visited town about a week ago, Brenda says. Kaelen observes that’s when the maids said his mood changed, but Brenda says she didn’t notice anything amiss.

Eldamir buys another map of the area around Drunstimlos from Vaughn Rikkar, a Half-Elf Bard. The team returns to the tavern to debate its options. The gold shipment aboard the Lazy Goat is the most time-sensitive, argue roguish Kamar and Cassy.

Righteous Nuriel and Barret want to investigate the Necromancer’s family manor, which is about a day’s hike from Drunstimlos, according to a map from Fr. Gwydion. The group decides to check out the rumored shipment of slaver gold first.

Kaelen finds two Goblins from the Lazy Goat and asks them to arrange a meeting with its commander. He and Barret wait for Capt. Kurath “the Cruel” at the edge of town, with Nuriel a discreet distance away.

Kamar, Eldamir, and Puliarus go to check out the cog while most of its crew is ashore. As night falls, they sneak down to the docks and swim out to the ship.

Cargo vessel

Capt. Kurath arrives with two Orcs in addition to the two Goblins. The armored Hobgoblin explains that he asked to meet away from the inn because humanoids are generally unwelcome in Saganim territory.

Kaelen poses as a “contractor” looking for slaves for a Dark Elven mine. Kurath responds that he might be able to help. Nuriel notices that both Kurath and Kaelen are taking their time haggling. Barret talks with the Orcs and learns that Nosepicker likes to wrestle and Groinbiter is a boxer.

Meanwhile, Kamar swims to the prow of the Lazy Goat and peers into a porthole. He sees hammocks of the crew in a forward section. Amidships, Eldamir sees a weapons rack, while Puliarus finds a chapel aft. They quietly climb onto the ship and try to avoid three human sentries.

Kamar casts Sleep on one guard, and Eldamir leads the way downstairs. Puliarus casts a Light spell on a coin. As the trio passes the middle deck, it bluffs its way past two sailors playing dice. The Bard, Barbarian, and Sorcerer find no signs of slave quarters in the hold, but they do find a vault with a locked door.

In town, Ranger Kaelen gives Kurath a pearl worth 10 sovereigns as an advance on 150 g.p. for a set of slaves. Kurath says that he’ll need several days to procure and transport them. Cleric Nuriel follows the Goblins before returning to the temple of Ghanki. Gladiator Barret arranges to meet the Orcs later.

Mimic

On the Lazy Goat, Kamar picks the lock and disables a trap that would drop an iron bar. He, Eldamir, and Puliarus enter the vault and find several chests of coins. However, one turns out to be a Mimic!

Eldamir throws a net onto the purple-tongued aberration, but it dissolves in its saliva. Kamar casts Sleep, which has no effect on the Mimic. Puliarus casts Fire Bolt and backs up.

Enraged, Eldamir makes a reckless attack with his trident, and Kamar switches from his rapier to a crowbar. Puliarus casts Magic Missile, and Eldamir finishes off the Mimic.

Kamar grabs 30 gold coins as Eldamir pulls him out of the vault. Back on the top deck, three men aim crossbows at the infiltrators. Puliarus casts Fog Cloud to cover their retreat.

Shortly thereafter, a sailor calls Capt. Kurath away from his meeting with Kaelen and company. Kamar, Eldamir, and Puliarus find Barret in a field outside Drunstimlos wrestling with the two Orcs. They send Nosepicker and Groinbiter away as they regroup.

Kamar recommends finishing the job and robbing the apparent slavers. Kaelen wants to get away before Kurath can alert his crew or the watch to hunt the would-be thieves.

Nuriel and Barret want to use Fr. Gwydion’s maps to inquire into the manor of the Necromancer. They also point out that Lord Caerdon’s mysterious behavior might be worth investigating.

Ultimately, Eldamir and Kaelen persuade their friends to find another ship and leave town. The travelers stop by the Sailor’s Climb to retrieve some possessions and then camp outside of town as autumn winds and rain sweep across the coast.

Kamar and Nuriel take the first watch and try to stay warm without a campfire. During the second watch, Barret and Puliarus sit still as plaid-clad horsemen pass nearby. On the third watch, Kaelen and Eldamir stay put even as they hear a scream out on the moors.

In the morning, the bedraggled band walks back to the docks and sees guards posted on every pier. Kamar and Puliarus notice two ships — the Floating Eel and the Wandering Eye, which has a Beholder skeleton as its figurehead.

Nuriel is surprised by Itharides, his grandmother and a famous adventurer. Unlike most Grey Elves, Itharides has sought to help humans for centuries. Nuriel tells the others that he’ll be at the pub catching up with his kin.

Kaelen talks his way past the guards, and Eldamir spreads the rumor of a small being such as a Halfling or an Otter-kin being among the thieves. Barret is surrounded by a throng of young fans of the “Masked Minotaur.”

Sometime later, Kamar, Kaelen, Eldamir, and Puliarus row out to the Floating Eel.They are surprised to be greeted by Henry “the Ghost” Grayson, former captainof the Bronze Storm! After the Dauntless set his ship adrift, it foundered, and its crew was rescued by the Floating Eel, he explains.

Puliarus befriend the mercenaries and pirates on the Floating Eel, but Eldamir is more wary of the Ghost. Kamar and Kaelen ask Capt. Kassem al-Zaweh for passage from Drunstimlos. The Suthern (proto-Arabic) human notes that the ship is already pretty full and has been hired by Itharides to go to the kingdom of Hifalendor.

Kaelen says that the great Grey Elf would want Nuriel and his associates to come along. Capt. Kassem replies that he’ll allow them to share bunks (in double shifts) with his sailors, but on the condition that there are no problems with the former crew of the Bronze Storm.

The foursome returns to town and splits up. Kamar begins drinking heavily at the Sailor’s Climb, where Nuriel is talking with his grandmother. Cassy is nowhere to be seen.

Brenda O’Connor invites Kaelen to a council she has called with the captains of the ships in the harbor to discuss the recent theft. The Bard brings Barret along.

Since he is a suspect in the break-in, Eldamir decides to camp outside Drunstimlos. The Barbarian climbs a tree to spend the night. Puliarus goes back to the temple of Ghanki to check on shady Fr. Gwydion.

At the pub, Kamar sings loudly about recent misadventures [to the tune of “Smooth Criminal”], and Nuriel plans to meet with Rowan Thorne, the local mage.

Kaelen and Barret follow Brenda to the watchtower, where they meet Capt. Sheridan Driscoll of the H.M.S. Dauntless, Capt. Kurath of the Lazy Goat, Capt. Kassem al-Zaweh of the Floating Eel, and Capt. Massimo Vittorio of the Wandering Eye, a Hifalendorin [proto-Western European] merchant ship.

Capt. Driscoll [Rich C.G./Non-Player Character] nods in recognition to Kaelen and Barret. The Saganim naval officer assigns royal marines to help patrol the docks while the Dauntless is repaired.

Kurath the Cruel [Brian W./N.P.C.] demands justice and sets a bounty of 30 sovereigns for each thief. The Hobgoblin declines to say what was stolen and glares suspiciously at helpful Kaelen and bored Barret.

Capt. Kassem [Charles S./N.P.C.] says that poor security could hurt Drunstimlos’ reputation as a free port and that he plans to leave soon. Capt. Vittorio [Beruk A./N.P.C.], whose ship had the Beholder figurehead, eventually agrees to support the manhunt.

Outside town, Eldamir hears a strange clacking in the branches above him. He peers up and sees several skeletons swaying in the wind. The Hangman Tree sends snaking branches to impale the Atlantean human, who jumps down and runs away.

Friendly Puliarus Mends the church’s leaky roof and manages to swallow some of Fr. Gwydion’s strong alcohol. The storm Sorcerer gets permission to stay the night.

The troublemakers manage to cast blame on Sea Elves for the fragments of Eldamir’s net and a Halfling for the burglary on the Lazy Goat. Ranger Kaelen places misleading tracks outside of town and finds Eldamir.

The Lazy Goat departs, and the travelers leave Drunstimlos on the Floating Eel. Capt. Kassem orders first mate Grayson to set course northeast. Kamar rummages among his musical instruments to entertain the merged crew.

Nuriel escorts Itharides aboard and keeps an eye on his wayward bodyguard. The Cleric of Corellan Larethian also talks with the Ghost, who says he bears no ill will, since nobody was hung for piracy.

Kaelen gets comfortable in the rigging and watches how Capt. Kassem manages his mercenaries. Eldamir keeps lookout in the prow and avoids Grayson.

Barret busies himself peeling vegetables in the galley or pulling oars. The Minotaur soon earns the respect of his peers and looks for wrestling partners.

Puliarus observes that the ship has magical protections even though it lacks a regular mage. The Half-Elf also helps with lore and mending, as well as with nightly underwater patrols. The warship sails across the northwestern Sea of Nagendwa toward the village of Sanry….

Good luck at next week’s “Star Wars: Dark Times” session, and let me know who of you will be available around Labor Day for “Star Trek: Restoration” and/or more “Vanished Lands!”